Local Restaurateur Tapped as Trustee of the Charles Edison Fund

Local Restaurateur Tapped as Trustee of the Charles Edison FundWade Knowles to Assist in the Continuation of the Edison Legacy

WEST ORANGE, NJ – Wednesday, October 28, 2009 .

Kurt Knowles, co-owner of The Manor and Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange and Ram’s Head Inn in Galloway, NJ will be inducted into DiRoNA’s (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) Hall of Fame at its annual conference in Dallas, Texas on October 27.

“I am humbled to be among some of the finest names in the food service industry,” said Kurt Knowles. “This is truly an honor.”

The DiRoNA Hall of Fame was established in 1993 with the initial induction of 14 members. Since that time, honorees have been selected and honored annually at the formal awards gala that takes place during the DiRoNA Educational Conference. Nominees are colicited from the DiRoNA membership and then presented to the Nominating Committee and Board of Directors. Candidates qualify by having at least 25 years of dedicated service and by making significant contributions to the distinguished dining industry.

As a result of Mr. Knowles’ induction, he and his father, Mr. Harry Knowles, become the first father-son pair to become members of the DiRoNA Hall of Fame. Harry Knowles was inducted for his now 53+ years in the restaurant industry on October 11, 1994 – also in Dallas.

“Our motto is ‘six generations, one dedication’,” said Harry Knowles. “It’s important that our family continues the tradition of offering a true, fine dining experience and we are grateful for being recognized by DiRoNA for doing so.”

For more information about the Knowles’ restaurants or the DiRoNA Hall of Fame, please contact Keith Sly at 973-325-1400 x155 or ksly@knowlesrestaurants.com

About DiRoNA

DiRoNA was established in 1990 to promote the distinguished dining industry. To be eligible, restaurants must be in operation, under the same ownership and theme, for a minimum of two years. A rigorous, anonymous inspection process scrutinizes every aspect of the dining experience - food, wine, service, physical property and décor. The DiRoNA distinction is bestowed upon establishments that represent top quality in distinguished dining. To date, fewer than 800 restaurants have earned the DiRoNA distinction.